What to Expect at Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival 2017

March 02, 2017

At first there was nothing. Then, in 2016, Soundslinger (an independent company formed by Steve Sybesma, Paul Peck and a team of producers) came together to create what is considered one of the best new festivals in the Country: Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival.

Okeechobee M.A.F. is a three-day music and arts showcase held at the Sunshine Grove in Okeechobee, Florida. This weekend, patrons from across the nation will come to experience this unique event that includes a white-sand beach, lakeside bar, art installations, food trucks, and yoga meditation workshops. The music performed here is of a wide variety ranging from indie to rap.

The festival is divided up into The Grove, Moonlight Oasis, and PoWow! – Each with its own designated lineup and activities.

THE GROVE consists of the BE, HERE, and NOW stages where many of the main artists perform at including Kings of Leon, Usher and the Roots, and Flume. Things could get intense pretty fast for you newcomers. Just remember to pack deodorant and flag markers, rookie.

MOONLIGHT OASIS itself is separated into three different events: Jungle 51, Aquachobee beach, and ChobeeWobee Village.

JUNGLE 51 is the scene for all the hardcore ragers out there. With its techno lineup including Omar S and operating hours spanning from night until early morning, you’ll be able to dance till the break of dawn. Get those monster energy drinks ready…

AQUACHOBEE lets you catch those morning vacation vibes by the beach. Roll out that towel, grab a fruity drink, and let the live music take you into the day.

CHOBEEWOBEE VILLAGE was created to feed the soul and spawn creativity. Find your inner yogi at the yoga workshops or be inspired by the live artists at work.

PoWoW! is a history-making collaborative concert between famous artists and incredible musicians. Anyone can walk onstage, and anything can happen.

Located by Lake Okeechobee, this city is perfect for outdoor adventures with activities such as boat tours or just exploring their many hiking trails. Not to mention they now have many options for sports and family-fun games. Here are just a few recommendations if you decide to break away, or stay a couple days past the festival:

Experience the beauty of nature at Kissimmee Prairie State Park

Being a camping-themed festival, Kissimmee Prairie State Park is a perfect addition for your stay in Okeechobee. While you’ll be able to find some peace and quiet taking a hike on one of their trails, you’ll also get to see first-hand the wildlife that inhabits the park. So before you go dance your heart out to D.R.A.M, make sure to check out the scenery at this park.

Sail Lake Okeechobee with Florida Airboat Charters

Sail the ocean blue (or lake rather) here with Florida Airboat Charters. This one of a kind airboat experience allows you to customize your tour to either bird watch, wildlife sight-see, or just explore Lake Okeechobee with no preset time. Gather your friends and family, spice up your festival experience, and go on an adventure with the best airboat charter service of the city.

Love solving riddles? This place is for you. Take a break from the festival scene, put on your thinking caps, and see if you can beat the clock and escape the room. That is if you have any energy to spend.

This is definitely a different kind of “par-tee”. All puns aside, check out this golf course where the scenery is second to none with wildlife at every turn. Some say that golf is a relaxing sport, so come check out this 6,887 yard golf course before the festival for a peaceful and relaxing way to start the day.

Need somewhere to grab food when you’re not at the festival?

Coming to Okeechobee you’ll notice the recurring theme of seafood dining, such as Tin Fish Restaurant, Lightsey Fish Co and Seafood, Lakeside Grill, etc. But don’t be deceived. They have a wide variety of selections from Pizza Heaven to Kahootz Draft House Inc. If it were up to me, I’d hit Chico’s Burrito Shack or Los Cocos Mexican Restaurant first to get my taco fix. #Noshame